Ring in the New Year, Ottawa Style!

December 24, 2018

As we say goodbye to 2018, we look forward to kicking off 2019 with a BANG in Ottawa! From free, family-friendly outings, to comedy shows, to chic VIP parties, here are just a few of the many New Year’s Eve events happening in Canada’s capital region on December 31, 2018. Plus, keep in mind that OC Transpo is offering free public transportation after 8 p.m.!

Downtown Ottawa

Enjoy the Christmas Lights Across Canada programming across downtown Ottawa. On Dec. 31, 2018, the Lightscapes multimedia show projected onto Parliament Hill will run until 11:59 p.m., and a short pyrotechnics display will herald the new year. It’s all free!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Scottish-style at the 7th annual Hogman-eh! party at Lansdowne’s Aberdeen Pavilion! This family-friendly party features traditional and modern Scottish music, Highland dancing, Scottish food and drink and even fireworks! Hogmanay aims to replicate the excitement of Edinburgh’s world-famous Royal Mile as the clock strikes midnight and we enter the New Year. Admission is free.

Choose one of two New Year’s Eve celebration options at the newly renovated National Arts Centre. Fancy it up at an elegant party in the Canal Lobby with dinner and dancing to the classic sounds of Big Band Ottawa. Or, go retro with dinner and dancing to 80s DJ music in the Canada Room.

The Ottawa Art Gallery and the on-site Jackson Restaurant are hosting New Years at the Disco in their new swanky spaces until 3:00 a.m. With a Stardust Ticket, you can enjoy a cocktail party, a strolling feast with drink pairings, performances and dancing, as well as a midnight toast. Or opt for the Disco Ticket which provides access to the festivities starting with the performances and dancing.

STARFISH Events is hosting their annual New Year’s Eve event, NYE Ottawa, at the Ottawa Marriott. Party to DJ music, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, party favours and a complimentary photo booth.

East Ottawa

Looking for an upscale, chic event that supports a good cause? Prepare your evening gown or tuxedo for the Ottawa New Year’s Eve Charity Ball taking place at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, just east of downtown. Enjoy cocktails, a four-course meal, live music, and a DJ. Plus, participate in live and silent auctions, grand prize raffle and take advantage of on-site childcare. All proceeds benefit charities that support children with autism and special needs.

Laugh your way into 2019 at the 8th Annual New Year’s Eve Comedy Night at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orléans. Top Canadian comedians Gilson Lubin, Andrew Chapman and Nour Hadidi have some side-splitting material in store for the celebration.

The classical music group Ars Nova invites you to An Evening on the Orient Express at the Church of St. Bartholomew in New Edinburgh. This gala includes a reception and silent auction, a concert, dinner, dancing, door prizes and more.

West Ottawa

For a leisurely outing with the family, head just west of Ottawa to Wesley Clover Parks for Magic of Lights, a drive-through holiday light display. Nearly one million LED lights are spread over two kilometres, including a 200-foot light tunnel and large LED displays of your favourite winter characters like snowmen, elves and more. Open daily 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until Jan. 5, 2019, including Dec. 31, 2018!

Perspectives Restaurant at the Brookstreet hotel is hosting a special 6-course dinner. Diners can take advantage of special guestroom rates that evening. And their New Year’s day brunch is a great way to continue the celebrations!

South Ottawa

For a chic, swanky and sexy New Year’s Eve experience, head to the Timeless NYE Gala event at the Infinity Convention Centre, south of downtown. Put on your best outfit and enjoy a gourmet dinner, live music, DJs and late-night fun.

For a more laid-back, family-friendly experience, head 45-minutes south of Ottawa’s downtown to Upper Canada Village. During the Alight at Night festival, the 1860’s heritage village is adorned with nearly one million twinkling lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, a life-size Toy Train that winds its way around the village, and much more. The site is open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2018.

Gatineau

Dance the night away in the Hilton Lac-Leamy ballroom! The 2019 Resolutions event starts at 10:00 p.m. and features deep house & hip-hop with DJs Carl Mürren and Rossvel.

Looking for a more relaxed New Year’s Eve experience? Head to Nordik Spa-Nature, located at about a 20-minute drive north of Ottawa’s downtown core. Welcome 2019 as you relax in a bubbling hot tub and watch Ottawa’s twinkling skyline. Nordik is offering several New Year’s Eve packages that include items like the thermal experience, a three-course meal table d’hôte, a glass of sparkling wine at midnight and more.

For even more ideas on what to do this New Year’s Eve, consult our Event Calendar. And share your moments with us by using #MyOttawa on social media!